All six races will be broadcast live on Channel 4 and Joe Blake-Turner, commissioning editor for sport at the broadcaster, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing live coverage of the W Series to terrestrial audiences.

“Women have been under-represented in motorsport for far too long and, who knows, this exciting format could be the first step towards producing a female Formula One champion in the not-too-distant future.”

“The UK, with its incredible love of motorsport, is a cornerstone market for W Series and what better way to engage and entertain than with live coverage of our all-female single-seater racing.

“Channel 4 is the ideal broadcast partner and we’re delighted to be working with them as we introduce the world to this exciting new concept.”

Former Formula One driver David Coulthard is chairman of the W Series advisory board and said: “I have had the privilege to work with Channel 4 as a Formula One commentator for many years and am thrilled that their appetite and enthusiasm for motorsport have grown to cover W Series too.